The Disappearing Wonders of the World0:41

The Mona Lisa, The Great Wall of China, The Trevi Fountain; it seems some of the wonders of the world are being destroyed by hoards of tourists. What can we do to protect them?

June 16th 2017

2 years ago

THAILAND’S famous Maya Bay will not close to the public, tourism officials have confirmed.

Global reports last week suggested Maya Bay in Thailand’s Phi Phi islands — which was made famous in Danny Boyle’s 2000 film The Beach — would close to the public to allow the suffering coral reef to recover from the damaging effects of tourism.

In a statement, the Tourism Authority of Thailand said while the number of tour boats allowed to visit popular beach destinations had been limited, Maya Bay remained open to beach-goers.

“As Thailand grows in popularity with international visitors, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation is constantly looking at ways to improve management of the Kingdom’s natural resources,” the tourism board said.

“Measures have been made in some areas to limit the number of boats permitted to visit popular islands such as Koh Phi Phi, and the Similan and Surin Islands, and it is something that continues to be monitored.

“Discussions were held mid-2017 regarding the management of Koh Phi Phi Lei, and it is understood the option to close the beach to tourists was discussed; however no decision to that effect has been made.”

Tunya Netithammakul, director general of the department of national parks, wildlife and plants conservation explained Koh Tachai needed a chance to recover from damage caused by tourism.

“Thanks to its beauty, Koh Tachai has become a popular tourist site for both Thai and foreign tourists. This has resulted in overcrowding and the degradation of natural resources and the environment,” he told the Bangkok Post.